Fast cures for GI troubles

With all that’s going on in the news, it’s not surprising if stress has unsettled your stomach, causing painful bloat, gas and constipation. Luckily, these sciencebacked strategies provide much-needed relief

Bloated? Imagine you’re floating

Relaxing for 10 minutes can help when you’re feeling puffy and heavy. The secret: Imagine that you’re floating on a lake. UCLA researchers say this trick can cut GI discomfort by 82%. That’s because the calming mental image prompts the release of digestion-enhancing enzymes, eliminating uncomfortable post-meal bloat.

Gassy? Hug your knees

When worries trigger painful gas, a simple yoga move can help release it immediately— and if you do this move daily, it can cut your risk of future flare-ups by 70%.

Simply lie on your back and pull your right knee toward your chest, reaching your chin to your knee. Repeat with your left knee, then repeat again with both legs.

Backed up? Enjoy a sweet sip

Chronic stress can lead to dehydration, which causes constipation for 40% of us. The simple fix? Sip a mocktail made with 2 Tbs. of aloe vera juice, 1 Tbs. of honey, 10 oz. of water and the juice of one lemon. Researchers reporting in the journal Digestion found that aloe juice is rich in natural laxatives that can provide relief within half a day.

Gotta go? Munch on a cookie

Anxiety can disrupt digestive tract function, doubling the risk of diarrhea. To the rescue: macaroons! Rich stores of lauric acid in the coconut in these treats eliminate viral and bacterial invaders in the stomach, according to researchers, helping to eliminate the problem more effectively than Imodium within 4 hours.